Analysis of stability for uniform rotations of a dumbbell system in an elliptic orbit

Abstract

The evolution of space missions and related systems has been promoting innovation and creation of ideas for new technologies for decades. The search for innovative solutions that combine the optimization of resources and materials guide the recent research in the space area. The objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of two bodies connected by tethers and can be a solution for reducing costs in space missions, one of the concepts that have the potential to fulfill the objective of efficient transport space. In this paper it is discussed the motion of two massive bodies connected by tethers in keplerian motion in a central force field, their viability, the rotational dynamics and the system behavior in the space environment. Models will be created that simulate and explain the dynamics of the object and that analyzes the main parameters for determining the stability and the uniform rotations conditions.